Moderat - II (2013)

i was already halfway to work when i realized i'd set my alarm one hour early. there was no point in turning back, so i got off the tram and aimlessly roamed around rainy brussels for an hour and a half. stricken with self-hatred and bitter regret, made worse by slight waves of nausea (not a morning person), i tuned in to NPR's latest All Songs Considered podcast to kill some time.

i'm usually not the biggest fan of ASC, maybe it's the all-american-mega-positive-vibes and shameless lack of edge [fuck buttons is pronounced as "f-buttons", come on]. but this time, although after a numbing volley of bland in-jokes, someone played 'This Time' from Moderat's latest album II. perfect track to listen to in the middle of brussels' grayness. it's not on youtube yet, so check it out (scroll down) on NPR.

fyi Moderat is the unholy union of Apparat and Modeselektor. Fact Magazine categorized their sound on II  as "digital shoegaze...closer in spirit to Border Community’s emo-electronics than much of Monkeytown’s back catalogue."

NOTE 2: favorite track on II



NOTE: after listening to the whole album, it sounds like 50% of the tracks are slightly clubbier than "digital shoegaze", almost more Caribou-inspired. for example:

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Jamie xx - Night + Day Berlin Mix (2013)

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Memoryhouse - To the Light House (Millionyoung Remix - 2010)

found this hazy gem at NO CONCLUSION. they've got the best mixes so if you're into the general primavera palate, def check them out.

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Balmorhea - Jubi

Like you in a field with lotsa sun. Country post-rock. So clean.

Rik.

Madvillain - Money Folder (Four Tet remix)

Ace Four Tet remix of hip hop duo Madvillain (MF Doom and Madlib).
Crank it.



-L

Deafheaven - Sunbather (2013)

except, perhaps, to the odd nostalgic metal-fiend youtuber ("I don't know man, black metal came a long long way. From trolling in the woods of Norway and burning churches to pink album covers"), Deafheaven's Sunbather is more proof that black metal and post-rock can be two peas in one ferocious, face-melting pod.  

these tracks remind me of Other Animals and especially Wolves in the Throne Room (huge fan), which are also totally worth a listen.





ps these dudes have great shirts as well
-p

MXTP 1: Turn It Off

so this is a first: here's a mixtape.

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